AN £800,000 short-term residential accommodation centre for adults with learning and physical difficulties has been opened by the county council in Ellesmere Port.

The purpose-built facility at 18-20 Dover Drive has been developed on the site of the former Rochester House accommodation and is described as the very latest in modern design.

Until January 2005 clients looking for a short break had been accommodated in Rochester House, a former suite of offices and associated canteen.

The facilities met a need but became increasingly outdated and failed to meet modern requirements.

The county council took the decision to demolish and rebuild. In the interim service users had the use of a bungalow loaned by the county's children's services department.

The new four-bed facility with an additional two beds for emergency placements, has been designed and built to the highest standard.

All bedrooms are ensuite, bathrooms are equipped with specially-designed baths, showers and hoists, while lounges, kitchens and communal areas are fitted with furniture for wheelchair users and the garden has been designed on a sensory basis to be enjoyed by people with disabilities.

Service users will come from Ellesmere Port and Neston, Chester and the wider Cheshire area.

A 24-hour team of 17 residential support workers,

support workers and night staff led by registered manager Sue Ridley will man the new centre.

Sue, who has worked with the Ellesmere Port Network for the past seven years, said: 'The accommodation is not just purpose-built, it's the future of this provision.

'I don't know of another of such quality, it's certainly going to be very special.'

The centre welcomed representatives of the county council when it opened its doors to showcase the new facilities.

County Councillor Lynn Hardwick, executive member for adult social services, said: 'After listening to service users we are convinced this is the sort of accommodation, facility and support needed by so many Cheshire families.'